Autoblog

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos

LMC Super 'Cuda vs. Ferrari Enzo - Click above to watch video

Legendary Motorcar Company built a Super 'Cuda for SEMA - no, not with a modern Dodge Challenger, with an actual Barricuda - and then decided to find out what it could do. The car is stuffed with engine and rubber: A twin-turbo Viper V10 with at least 1,000 horsepower, along with 345-series, 19-inch tires in back. So about the only place they could test it properly was Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. For good measure, the folks at LMC brought a Ferrari Enzo along as well.

Needless to say, in a straight line drag, the Super 'Cuda owns the Enzo. The green monster and its turbine howls raced through the air so quickly that the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it came to top speed, however - and in all likelihood, real-life cornering- the Enzo took the round, going 218 mph to the 'Cuda's 208 mph. The 'Cuda probably could have gone faster, but vintage aerodynamics and driver heebie-jeebies put paid to that. Get all the action in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Car Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini

Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos - click above to watch the video

While not quite as in your ~~groin~~ face as Samuel L. Jackson's Snakes on a Plane, the following video is as honest in its title to content ratio. Yes, a camera crew in a helicopter follows two Lamborghini Gallardos (one hardtop and one Spyder) up and down Pacific Coast Highway and through some of the Southland's best canyon roads. Nearly perfect, right?

Well, there's an issue or two. First is the thumping, blasting "butt-rock" soundtrack. Second, that soundtrack is annoying and obscures the glorious fury of the Gallardo's 5.2-liter V10 -- a motor that can make a four-year-old to burst into tears when cranked from a cold start (true story -- we saw it happen in person). Truly, a beast of an engine.

Had it been our video then, we would've killed the royalty-free-Nickelback soundtrack and instead stuck mics on the Lambos as if they were pincushions. Then we'd have tailed the two blue bulls to Kanan Dume Road. Why Kanan? Tunnels -- three of them. Not to get all David E. Davis on you, but you really haven't lived until you've heard Lambo's V10 at 8,250 rpm in a confined space. Glorious. With that said, make the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles

VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

E30 M3 V10 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 -- Click above to view the video after the jump

Ah, the Swedes, with their eye for tuning and their wide open spaces to run in. A gent named Johan stuck an M-Division S85 V10 in an E30 M3, and the results look nothing short of devastating. No surprise when you add Big Power + Light Car. Stack it up against a current M3 on a runway, and what you have is a cameraman trying to film a black speck in the distance. According to and M5Board forum user the M3 V10 got up to 288 km (179 mph) during the run. Follow the jump to watch the video and see it happen.

[Source: M5Board]

Continue reading VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Lotus, UK, Rumormill

Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. According to EVO, a choice of three Esprits will be available for any (thick) wallet, including a 300 hp version packing Toyota's direct injected V6, a 417 hp model that would make use of the Lexus IS F's 5.0-liter V8 and, at the top of the range, a V10-powered Esprit packing the yet-to-be-released Lexus LF-A's 500+ hp engine.

Additionally, the alliance with Toyota could make good on Lotus' recent push for eco-friendly motoring. The Hethel-based automaker has repeated said that lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient drivetrains are a top priority, going so far as renaming its powertrain engineering arm the "propulsion systems" division. As such, an "Eco Esprit" could be available with a reworked version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The recently launched Evora will be the basis for the next Esprit, and considering the quick turnaround - a mere 27 months - for the Evora to go from concept to production, Lotus has the ability to bring the new Esprit to market quicker than ever. If the Evora's a hit, then we should be seeing the Esprit on roads in Europe, the UK and the US by 2012, with a price somewhere north of £100,000 for the V10-powered variant.

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Australia

GTA Spano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We're spoiled, us supercar fans. With so many awesome road-munching beasts on the market, we've grown jaded. Which may go some ways towards explaining the general reaction to the GTA Spano. Here's an accomplished racing team unveiling an 840-horsepower, mid-engined V10 supercar and all anyone could say was "ho-hum, another cookie-cutter supercar from a new upstart."

Admittedly, the apathy was mostly centered on the Spano's styling, for which the initial batch of photos didn't do any favors. But a machine as promising as the GTA Spano at least deserves a second glance, and we're glad the good folks over at CarAdvice.com.au got a chance to give us exactly that. (A little jealous, mind you, but glad nonetheless.)

These real-world photos reveal the unique lines in the Spano's design, especially the arc that swirls around the greenhouse and melds into the rear spoiler, giving the Spano a fluid yet aggressive shape. But don't take our word for it, see for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

As if to compound our jealousy, our friends down under also got to spend some time behind the wheel. But though that's on embargo until September when the production-spec model hits the market, they've given us a little teaser video, which we've included after the jump. Oh, and one more thing: Spano also says they're working on a supercharged version, which promises to boost the Dodge Viper-sourced V10 to stratospheric levels of output. The future's looking bright.

Gallery: GTA Spano by CarAdvice.com.au

Gallery: GTA Spano

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Continue reading Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO]

Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alleged Audi dealer email green-lights U.S. R8 V10 orders

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Audi R8 FSI V10

With the first U.S.-spec Audi R8 FSI V10 going on the block in Boca Raton, earlier reports that the V10-powered supercar might not make it to the States have been debunked. Further proof that Audi isn't going to leave the U.S. out of the fun comes in the form of a directive to dealers (posted after the break thanks to one of our readers) that confirms the R8 V10 is on the way and, although pricing hasn't been officially announced, buyers can expect to pay approximately $45,000 more for the V10 model compared to its V8-powered counterpart.

The directive goes on to state that the R8 V10 will be sold in the States as a 2010 model and due to high demand for the current V8 variant, production of the V10 model cannot commence "as rapidly as anticipated in order to produce more V8 models to satisfy existing customer orders." Buyers who want to hold out from the V10 should expect a lead time of eight to ten months if demand and production of the R8 continues at its current rate.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Continue reading Alleged Audi dealer email green-lights U.S. R8 V10 orders

Alleged Audi dealer email green-lights U.S. R8 V10 orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a freshly-updated gallery of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is ready to assume the mantle of "it" car for 2009. You probably still remember all the tasty details from our Detroit Auto Show coverage, but here's a brief refresher, just in case. The latest, greatest R8 packs Ingolstadt's 5.2L V10 under its glass engine cover. That lump, in this application, punches out 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, which should let the new, super-duper R8 sniff around the 200-mph barrier. We've had fond things to say about this V10 in both its lesser and more extreme forms. Will it be "just right" in the R8? We can't wait to find out firsthand. In the meantime, feast your eyes on a slew of new photographs just released by Audi. They're all in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

From the first lozenge-shaped A8 that hit American shores in 1997, Audi's flagship sedan has slowly been asserting itself more and more. The current A8 W12 is almost always given credit for its beautiful-yet-subtle design and a glorious interior. American buyers, however, haven't thrown money at it like they do the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S Class. Audi is out to change that with the 2011 A8.

Among the changes, Audi is trumpeting improvements to the car's handling, the area in which it has traditionally lost ground to its European luxo-sedan brethren. The rear-biased quattro system will also be enhanced with Audi's "sport differential" torque-vectoring system, and if other markets clamors for it, Audi will offer the front-drive A8 outside of Europe. Inside, expect a raft of changes to the interior and a "more innovative" MMI system.

As before, the A8 will come in regular and long wheelbase versions, and provide a wide range of engines for world markets, from a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel through to the S8's V10. The transmission will be the same 8-speed ZF unit used by the 2009 BMW 7 Series.

All of it will be wrapped in sheetmetal that Audi says will be "stronger, shaper, more precise," a design that will make efforts to highlight the car's aluminum build technology. Said head designer Stefan Sielaff, the car will present "a strong three-dimensional theme," and be "the first of a new styling language at Audi." We can't wait to see it. Thanks for the tip, Other Man!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 V10 debuting in Detroit, cabrio coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R8

While other automakers are dropping out of the Detroit Auto Show left and right, Audi is heading to Motor City with guns blazing, beginning with the 2010 Audi R8 V10.

Car and Driver decided to put the rumors to rest that the updated super coupe is officially coming to Detroit, packing a 5.2-liter V10 putting out 520 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. Aside from the obvious aural and performance differences, the V10-powered R8 will make use of a pair of larger dual exhaust tips rather than the V8 model's quad outlets. Expect new wheels, upgraded brakes and a few changes to the interior as well.

The oft-rumored Audi R8 Spyder will hit the European market in late 2009, with sales beginning in the U.S. sometime in 2011. According to C&D, the reason for the delayed Stateside launch is due to dealers that "have their hands full allocating coupes." Whatever that means. The R8's stylistic party pieces - it's side blades - will be shrunken down to accommodate a power-operated soft top, and the interior will carry over unchanged.

We've got more Audi goodness for you at 6 PM EST tonight, so check back in a few hours for a sneak peak of the four-ringer's plans for the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Audi R8 V10 spied at quattro GmbH

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi R8 V10 debuting in Detroit, cabrio coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW slashes V8 engine production in favor of fours

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

The new BMW 7-Series has just stepped out from behind the curtain, and it's taken the stage to a house only half full. Demand for BMW's big engines has dropped so low that the house of the roundel says it can make enough 8-bangers to satisfy the world's demand using just one shift for four days.

A member of BMW's supervisory board put it plainly: "We are producing the wrong engines here." Even the sixes, the center of BMW's engine constellation, are being taken out of production in Munich to be replaced by those with two fewer cylinders in 2011. When the phase-out is complete, the company will be able to build 560,000 4-cylinders per annum. Care for a BMW 716i, anyone?

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

BMW slashes V8 engine production in favor of fours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a gallery of the V10 Audi R8.

We've been following the developments surrounding the V10-powered R8 for what seems like eons. But today, we received the most definitive proof yet; engine-bay shots and a video of a white prototype shot in Florida. According to members of AudiWorld, a few V10 mules have been handed out to current, and supposedly trustworthy, R8 owners for evaluation, sporting oval exhaust pipes and a revised fascia. While that's a rather unconventional move on Audi's part, it's proof that the automaker is getting ready to launch the new RS8 (or R10) in the near future.

Hit the jump to hear the V10-powered R8 stretching its legs.

Gallery: Spy Shots: V10 Audi R8

[Source: AudiWorld via German Car Scene]

Continue reading VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8

VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Cirque du Soleil commercial interrupted by Audi RS6

Chris Shunk — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi

From the some-automakers-have-more-money-than-sense department comes a new commercial for the Audi RS6. The minute-long teaser spot features some kind of synchronized gymnastics routine that we guess is supposed to signify a bunch of people working together like a finely tuned machine. We think there are some gymnasts imitating the pistons in the blisteringly fast RS6 V10, and there was a human crankshaft and some headlights too, but it's hard to tell with it being people in tights and all. The last three seconds is the first indication that this is a car commercial, as the front end of the sledge hammer RS6 is finally shown.

We know it's a teaser ad, but next time we'd like to see a little more sheet metal and a lot less flesh. Besides, didn't Ford just do the people as cars thing a couple months ago? Hit the jump to view the minute-long commercial, then let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Cirque du Soleil commercial interrupted by Audi RS6

VIDEO: Cirque du Soleil commercial interrupted by Audi RS6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS6 Sedan

Dan Roth — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

Sporting a subtle IMSA-flared look, Audi's new V10-powered RS6 sedan has been caught while testing in Scandinavia. It looks pretty much like a finished car when it comes to styling and packaging - the lack of camouflage really allows you to see the more muscular elements like flared fenders, a more aggressive fascia, and a diffuser in the rear. With the brake calipers carrying RS6 badging outside, and the seats doing the same for the interior, it's going to be tough for anyone to miss the RS6 should they be dense enough to miss the obviously beefed up styling. Perhaps, though, the best place for the logo would have been in the taillight lenses, as that's pretty much all other drivers will ever see of this car. The V10 lays down ridiculous numbers in the RS6 Avant, and we'd expect nothing less from the sedan when it debuts later this year. We won't look for the roof mounted driving light set in the accessory catalog, though.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi RS6 Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, BMW, Chevrolet, GM

It used to be that American muscle cars were competing against themselves when it came to power. But rumor has it that, in the case of the Chevrolet ZR-1, the domestic horsepower war has a new international benchmark: the BMW M-division V10.

Word is that "German competition is driving the higher horsepower and torque numbers coming to the Corvette." Chevy engineers said that the new LS9 was created to "match up favorably" with the V10 found in the M5 and M6. The supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 has 620HP and 595 lb-ft of torque, with 535 lb-ft available from 2,600 RPM and a 6,200-RPM redline. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 has 507 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque, and goes all the way up to 8,250-RPM.

It's good to see Chevrolet taking its cues from the best, no matter whether its domestic or international. Especially when it's applied to an engine created with a different philosophy (large-displacement, low-revving grunt) to go in a car with a vastly different purpose than the M5 or M6. BMW's S85 V10 has won at least two International Engine of the Year awards for three years straight, and the LS9 still needs to prove itself. In the mean time, the far more powerful LS9 can gloat that it gets better highway gas mileage: 20 MPG versus. the V10's 17. American ingenuity, +1.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Gallery: Supercharged LS9 V8

Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 V10 resumes Ring testing

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi, Lamborghini

The Audi R8 turns heads on public roads like few other sports cars on the planet, and its 420 HP V8 makes for a terrific track toy too. We've been reporting to you about a forthcoming Gallardo-sourced V10 R8 for some time, but the pumped up supercar has been absent from the 'Ring since its melt-down a few months back.

The illustrious spy photo gang led by Sir Hans Lehmann caught the V10-powered Audi halo car back on the 'Ring, and this time it's ready for disaster. There are two red switches at the base of the a-pillar that can quell any fire with an electronic, foam-based extinguisher before the expensive prototype burns to the ground. The larger air intakes behind the doors and modified rocker panel skirts will help differentiate the R8S (or whatever Audi will call it) from its $109,000 "base" model, but the angry growl of the V10 should be a tip-off too. It's good to see that Audi has gotten over its fear of fire and is back on the track with the V10 R8, and we'll continue to eagerly await the 2009 Audi supercar.

[Source: AudiWorld]

Audi R8 V10 resumes Ring testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda

Acura's sales are down, and rather than try to be all cars to all buyers, filling niches is more the game plan. Product planning manager John Watts intimated that Acura's looking at segments with a narrower appeal, such as the now-defunct CL, and the possibility of a retractable hardtop vehicle, too. The MDX does well, and the new RDX is the darling of everyone who drives it, but as far as cars go, Acura's not catching anyone's hair on fire. The top-dog RL sedan is a wonderful car - beautifully drawn, SH-AWD moves, and a powerful V6 make it a very pleasant way to devour miles, but it doesn't offer the flavor du jour for premium sedans with performance leanings. The engine layout is wrong, and it's missing at least two cylinders to truly be taken seriously by some buyers who are looking for a V8 and rear drive as prerequesites.

There's talk of a new 8 or 10 cylinder powerplant in the offing. The NSX is supposedly getting a V10, which could then propagate through to other Acura cars. Analysts have noted that there's a need for a flagship sedan above the RL to offer RWD and larger engines. While Acura gets its act together developing the new NSX and readying the new TL for launch in 2009, dealers are enviously eyeing Lexus and Infiniti stores, wishing they had a big V8 boomer to throw into the fray, as well.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Supercars

Click the image above for more shots of the Wiesmann GT MF5.

While we never did see the official premier of the Wiesmann GT MF5, we were able to catch a sneak peak of the V10-powered blue beastie during an exclusive party held in the bespoke coupe's honor. Finally, Wiesmann was kind enough to provide some detailed shots of the MF5 along with a press release (after the jump), and it turns out that it's as brutishly awesome as we expected.

Made up of an aluminum monocoque and composite body panels, the GT MF5 has been dropped, widened and lengthened compared to its MF4 sibling. As we already knew, power is provided by a BMW-sourced five-liter V10 producing 507 HP. But with the MF's new diet and a seven-speed sequential gearbox, the trip to sixty will take a click under four seconds and on to a top speed of 193 MPH. Nineteen-inch wheels are fitted at all four corners, with 245/40ZR19 tires up front and 275/30ZR19s out back, while customer-fitted carbon fiber seats find their way into the cabin.

Although we were only able to adore the Wiesmann GT MF5 from afar (and through a pane of glass), it's probably better off that way. At a cost of $250k, we'd gladly sell off a few unnecessary organs and move abroad to take delivery when it goes on sale this spring.

Gallery: Wiesmann GT MF5: Pre-preview

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5

Frankfurt 2007: The camera shy Wiesmann GT MF 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Green

Click the image above for a host of high-res pics of the AC Schnitzer GP3.10

For over two decades, AC Schnitzer has built its brand on motoring madness with looks to match. Normally, this involves a bevy of modifications to enhance every performance-related aspect of the vehicle, but with the GP3.10, they've made the bold move of trying to balance fuel efficiency with sporting dynamics.

The GP3.10 houses an M5/M6-sourced V10 that runs on liquefied petroleum gas and produces 552 HP and nearly 400 lb.-ft. of torque. 60 comes up in a cool four-and-a-half seconds, and between high-speed runs you can fill up at one of the 2,700 LPG-packing fuel stations sprinkled across Germany. Of course, the Schnitzer folks couldn't leave the GP looking like a standard 3, so they unfortunately took the interior and exterior to an unhealthy extreme.

You can read up on all the details in the press release after the jump, and peruse through the gallery below.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED

Continue reading Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10

Frankurt 2007: AC Schnitzer has gas, runs with it in GP3.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Audi RS6 Avant is the devil's own wagon

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Audi

click above image to view high-res gallery of the Audi RS6

When Satan is going to have some friends over and needs to go shopping, he grabs the keys to the Audi RS6 Avant. Why? Because it's a station wagon -- and it will only come as a wagon to begin with -- that costs more than 101,000 euros, which is nothing short of hellish. It also has 580 HP, though some claim that's a bit of false modesty and the car actually has 600 HP. Then there are the ceramic brakes riding massive rotors, the perfect cure for The Nefarious One's hot foot. Inside, curvaceous buckets taper upward to curved horns for headrests. And finally, while it has a face and a mien that many people could love, it takes a demon -- speed or otherwise -- to truly appreciate.

Inside is stitched leather and carbon fiber and alcantara for days. The car only comes as a tiptronic, but it's been recalibrated for very short shift times. There is absolutely no reason for a supersonic station wagon, especially one that doesn't come with helmets and re-entry suits, but who cares? It's hot enough for Hades, and the guy who runs it.

Click Read for the Audi press release, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos.

Gallery: 2008 Audi RS6 Avant

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Audi RS6 Avant is the devil's own wagon

Frankfurt 2007: Audi RS6 Avant is the devil's own wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Audi

We see a lot of rumors here at Autoblog, but this one just has to come true. Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.

With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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